Global Engagement Scholarships USI Study Abroad Programs 2017 International Programs and Services www.usi.edu/international
Global Engagement Scholarship Program Scholarship award: Eligibility: Up to $3,000, depending on costs and length of program Open to all USI students who have been accepted in a USI study abroad program and will receive USI credit during the program; Ability to engage in a Global Engagement project during the term abroad; projects will be judged on feasibility and relevance, as well as other factors; Recipients must enroll in USI during the fall or spring semester following their study abroad program and complete the requirements for the Global Engagement project within 6 months. Program Requirements: Global Engagement Scholarship recipients will carry out a project during the term abroad, which focuses on a global issue/challenge in one of the following areas: Public Health; Education; Poverty Reduction; Environment, Sustainability, and Climate Change; or Peace and Human Rights. 1 Global Engagement scholars are required to create a weekly blog during their study abroad program, and to present their findings to the USI community during the semester following completion of their study abroad term. Therefore, Global Engagement scholars must enroll in USI during the semester following completion of their program. Global Engagement scholarships are limited to USI approved study abroad programs; preference will be given to applicants who have not received previous study abroad scholarships through USI. Application consists of: Signed application form Statement of Purpose Essay (1-2 pages) and Project Description (1-2 pages) Unofficial USI transcript Recommendation from USI faculty sponsor, who is willing to assist/monitor project completion Deadlines and Timeline: Scholarship Timeline Summer & Fall Spring Programs Programs Apply by: March 15 October 15 Selection Committee reviews applications: Mid March Mid October Finalists interviewed: Late March Late October Applicants notified of award decisions April 10 November 10 1 For ideas, go to Clinton Global Initiative University Commitment Ideas at www.cgiu.org; the United Nations Millennium Development Goals at www.un.org/millenniumgoals/pverty.shtml; etc.
Global Engagement Scholarship Application: Part I Name: USI ID #: / / Email: Cell phone: Major: Study Abroad Program (e.g., ISEP) Cumulative GPA: Study Abroad Location/Host Institution Faculty mentor for your Global Engagement Project: Term: Fall Spring Academic Year Summer Other: How many USI credits will you earn from the study abroad program: Optional: Do you currently receive a Pell Grant? Please list your ethnicity/racial category: African American Hispanic American Indian / Alaskan Asian Pacific Islander White International List your expenses during your Study Abroad program: A. Estimated costs (please complete as appropriate): Program fee: International transportation (roundtrip) Travel documents, immunizations, etc. Student Health Insurance Pre-exchange language courses Other (specify): TOTAL PROGRAM COSTS: Calculate your resources for this time period: A. Personal Savings/Family Funds B. Financial Aid scholarships, grants & loans TOTAL RESOURCES AVAILABLE: I plan to enroll at USI to continue my studies upon completion of my study abroad program. I understand the responsibilities of the Global Engagement Scholarship and I will be available to complete these responsibilities within 6 months of completion of my study abroad program. I acknowledge that all information on this application is complete and accurate to the best of my ability. Printed name Student signature Date
Global Engagement Scholarship Application: Part II Statement of Purpose Essay: Impact of program on your academic, professional and personal goals What impact will this study abroad program and receiving the Global Engagement Scholarship have on my academic goals? How will this study abroad program impact any future academic goals that I may have, such as obtaining a graduate degree? What impact will my choice of country have on my experience abroad? What initially inspired me to want to study abroad in this particular country or learn this language? What factors led to my choice of country of study? What impact will my choice of program have on my experience abroad? Are there unique components, such as home-stays, that will impact my experience abroad? What impact will this study abroad program and receiving the Global Engagement Scholarship have on my professional goals? How does my study abroad program relate to my future professional goals? Will I be able to pursue internship or volunteer opportunities that support my overall career goals? Will I be able to learn skills or conduct research that will be necessary to me in my future career? What impact will this study abroad program and receiving the Global Engagement Scholarship have on me personally? On a personal level, what initially inspired me to want to study abroad in this particular country or learn this language? What challenges, if any, have I faced in my decision to study abroad? What impact would receiving the Global Engagement Scholarship have on these challenges? For example do I face familial obligations or concerns that hinder my ability to study abroad? Other examples include, but are not limited to, being a non-traditional student, having a learning or physical disability, being in a field of study for which it is difficult to incorporate study abroad, etc. Global Engagement: Local Awareness Project Description What global issue will your project examine: a. Public Health; b. Education c. Poverty Reduction d. Environment, Sustainability, and Climate Change e. Peace and Human Rights Describe your Global Engagement project. What are your objectives; why did you choose this topic? How will you carry out your project? Will you be enrolled in related coursework or will you conduct an independent research project or service learning project? Will your project require a certain level of fluency in the language of your host country? What unique opportunity does your host institution or the region provides that will assist with your project? What challenges do you anticipate in carrying out your project? Why is it important for the USI community to be aware of this and other global issues that impact people around the world? What are ways that you can bring local awareness of this issue to your community at home? All recipients will present a summary of their project at the study abroad forum during the semester following the term abroad. Successful applicants will be able to envision a Global Engagement project which is both relevant and feasible within the term abroad.
GES Applicant (Student) to complete this section: Faculty Mentor Recommendation for: Student First Name Last Name Under the US federal law (Section 438 of Public Law 90-247, as amended) students are permitted access to certain education records. Section 438(a)(2)(B) provides that a student may waive the right to inspect confidential letters of recommendation. Many applicants have found that a recommendation letter written in confidence has a greater impact than one to which the applicant also has access. If you waive your right to inspect the information requested by this form, please sign below. Applicant s signature Date Faculty Mentor to complete this section: A. Thank you for your willingness to serve as a Faculty Mentor for the Global Engagement Scholarship Program. We assume the student has discussed his/her plans and the type of internship/volunteer experience he/she would like to pursue. International Programs will contact you with further information about the faculty mentor s role if this student is selected for the program. Please indicate the student s ability and academic competence in comparison with other individuals whom you have known at similar stages in their academic careers. Knowledge in area of specialization Motivation and seriousness of purpose Ability to plan and carry out independent study/research Ability to express thoughts in speech and writing Emotional stability and maturity Self-reliance and independence Below average Average Above average Outstanding Inadequate opportunity to observe B. Please submit a reference letter to answer the following questions on USI letterhead. 1. How long and in what capacity have you known the applicant? 2. Please comment specifically on the applicant in terms of the following: (a) academic suitability for the proposed internship; (b) personal suitability for living abroad; (c) how participation in the Global Engagement Internship program will be of benefit, both academically and personally; (d) weaknesses; (e) linguistic preparation, if applicable; and (f) any other factors that you believe may affect a successful experience. I agree to serve as Faculty Mentor for the above named student and I endorse the student s proposed Global Engagement Scholarship. Faculty Name Signature Date Please return this form and your letter of recommendation to the Center for International Programs, UC East 1236, by March 15 for summer/fall programs or October 15 for spring programs. Please contact Melissa Gonnerman if you have questions at mgonnerman@usi.edu or (812) 465-1248 Thank you for your interest and participation.